European parliament is no tea party

Simon Hoggart clearly hasn't been to Brussels or Strasbourg for a while (EU? It's just an abusive imps' tea party, 13 March). The European parliament now counts among its members at least nine former prime ministers or presidents of EU member states. It is also a breeding ground for new talent, with senior MPs from the three biggest UK parties having started their political careers in the European parliament.

This week alone European parliament committees have voted on legislation concerning food labelling, organ transplants across the EU and security of gas supplies, all of which may have a significant impact on the UK in years to come. And over the coming weeks, MEPs will be deciding on a whole raft of legislation affecting the financial services sector as the EU looks to respond to the financial crisis of recent years.

As to the incident with the Earl of Dartmouth MEP, his microphone was cut off, not because of his views on Arctic policy, but because of a series of personal attacks on Baroness Ashton – who was sitting yards away in the chamber – which I, as vice-president of the parliament, considered unparliamentary. Simon Hoggart should know that even the great Erskine May on behaviour in the Commons now leaves to the Speaker the discretion to determine what constitutes unparliamentary language in that place.

Perhaps instead of dismissing the European parliament as a "tea party with pretensions", Mr Hoggart should leave the Westminster tea rooms and pay a visit to the European parliament in Brussels. He would be very welcome.